These homemade Cheese Crackers are a crispy, savory delight that will elevate your snack game. With a rich, buttery texture and a bold cheesy flavor, they’re perfect for satisfying cravings or impressing guests. The dough comes together in just 30 minutes, and after a quick chill, they bake to golden perfection in 20 minutes. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch and a melt-in-your-mouth finish that store-bought crackers simply can’t match.
Packed with 5g of protein per serving, these crackers are both indulgent and wholesome. The blend of sharp cheese and subtle spices creates a flavor profile that’s irresistible. Whether paired with dips or enjoyed on their own, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s worth the 1 hour 50 minutes of total time. Fresh, flavorful, and utterly addictive, these crackers are a must-try for any cheese lover.
Ingredients for Homemade Cheese Crackers
- 8 oz (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated (for best results, grate your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese)
- 1 ½ cups (165 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika (adds a subtle smoky flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt, plus additional for sprinkling on top
- 8 Tablespoons unsalted butter, very cold (cut into small pieces for easier blending)
- 3 Tablespoons ice water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In the basin of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment, combine the grated cheese, flour, sugar, paprika, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Pulse until the ingredients are combined and the cheese is well chopped up (about 15-20 seconds).
- Scatter the cold butter pieces over the surface of the mixture and pulse again until the butter is cut into the mixture and it appears pebbly or crumbly.
- Add the ice water and pulse until the ingredients begin to cling together.
- Divide the dough into two or three parts and form each into a ball. Flatten each ball into a square shape, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 3 days).
- Once the dough has nearly finished chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Working with one square at a time, roll the dough to a thickness of between ⅛ and ¼ inch (0.3-0.6 cm).
- Use a pastry wheel or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 1-inch squares.
- Transfer the squares to an ungreased baking sheet. Use a toothpick or the blunt end of a wooden skewer to pierce the center of each square.
- Sprinkle the squares lightly with additional kosher salt (about 1-2 teaspoons total for all the crackers).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the crackers are golden and crisp.
- Allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet before enjoying.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These cheese crackers are a versatile snack that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dips and spreads. Try serving them with a tangy sour cream and chive dip or a rich spicy queso for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. They also complement a charcuterie board beautifully, adding a crispy, cheesy element to your selection of meats and cheeses.
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
To maintain their crispiness, store the crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If they start to lose their crunch, simply pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3-5 minutes to revive them. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked crackers in a sealed bag for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat as needed.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Experiment with different cheeses to change the flavor profile—try pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky twist. You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic touch. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Quick Tips: Time-Saving Hacks
To save time, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, simply roll, cut, and bake. If you’re in a rush, skip the chilling step and bake immediately—just note that the crackers may spread slightly more. Using a pastry wheel or pizza cutter will make cutting the dough into squares a breeze.
Essential Tools: Equipment Guidance
A food processor is key for quickly combining the ingredients and cutting in the butter. If you don’t have one, you can use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour mixture. A rolling pin and pastry wheel will help you achieve even, thin squares for the perfect cracker texture.
Cheese Crackers
Ingredients
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated for best results grate your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt plus additional for sprinkling on top
- 8 Tablespoons unsalted butter very cold
- 3 Tablespoons ice water
Instructions
- Combine shredded cheese, flour, sugar, paprika, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt in the basin of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment and pulse until ingredients are combined and cheese is well chopped up (about 15-20 seconds).
- Scatter cold butter pieces over the surface of the ingredients and pulse again until butter is cut into the mixture and the mixture appears pebbly/crumbly.
- Add water and pulse until ingredients begin to cling together.
- Divide dough into two or three parts and form each into a ball. Flatten each into a square shape and wrap individually in plastic wrap. Place in refrigerator and chill for at least one hour and up to 3 days.
- Once dough has nearly finished chilling, preheat oven to 375F (190C).
- Working with one square at a time, roll dough to be between ⅛ and ¼” (0.3-0.6cm) thin.
- Use a pastry wheel or pizza cutter to cut dough into 1” squares.
- Transfer to an ungreased baking sheet and use a toothpick or the blunt end of a wooden skewer to pierce the center of each square.
- Sprinkle lightly with additional kosher salt (I use about 1-2 teaspoon total for all of the crackers) and transfer to 375F (190C) oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.
- Allow crackers to cool completely on baking sheet before enjoying.